We live in or near one of the most vibrant cities in the world, with world class museums, performances, parks and more. Why go anywhere else?
Here are five suggestions for "going away" to your own city, from hotels to dining to things to see.
We live in or near one of the most vibrant cities in the world, with world class museums, performances, parks and more. Why go anywhere else? Here are five suggestions for "going away" to your own city, from hotels to dining to things to see.
We're probably all guilty of rolling our eyes at a group oftourists fumbling with maps and blocking our way. But Chicago is aworld-class city, so why should the natives miss out on all thefun? We've got six ideas for experiencing our great city like itwas your first trip around the Loop.
Think like an out-of-towner
It turns out Chicago's Visitors Centers actually aren't just forvisitors. Dorothy Coyle, executive director of the Chicago Officeof Tourism and Culture, says employees at the Cultural Center orthe Water Works are happy to help you set up an itinerary andnavigate public transportation, not to mention provide scavengerhunts and Foursquare badges to make exploration more fun (we likethe Celery Salt badge for Chicago hot dogs, or the Brain FreezeTrek for ice cream lovers; visit explorechicago.org/games).
Or, see all those spots you disparage as "so touristy." Think asif you're hosting out-of-town guests and want to show off theplaces that make Chicago Chicago. If it's been a while, you mightnot know that Navy Pier is far from a warm-weather-onlydestination; there are activities going on all year-inside and out(and a rockin' children's museum).
Have years passed since you've ascended the Sears-ahem,Willis-Tower? Then you probably haven't had the opportunity to defyyour fear of heights on The Ledge. And Coyle says it's worthlooking into membership options so you can explore the Museum ofScience and Industry over and over. Think basic, and you might besurprised by how extraordinary it is.
Be free
Is there any word more powerful than "free"? We don't think so,which is why we're glad Chicago abounds with cultural opportunitiesthat don't lighten the wallet. The Lincoln Park Zoo, one of thecountry's finest, is always free. Bring along a picnic lunch andyou've got a cheap day of entertainment.
Chicago museums, including big names like the Field Museum andthe Adler Planetarium, regularly offer free days.
We also love places where kids under 12 are always free, such asthe Chicago History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Coyle says spring is a great time for a parade, such as March'sSt. Patrick's Day parade and May's Cinco de Mayo celebration. Andwe'd also like to point out that window-shopping on the MagnificentMile doesn't cost a penny.
Go to the extremes
Think of two opposites and then try them out. High and low? Rideto the top of one of Chicago's famous skyscrapers, then wanderunder the city using the Chicago Pedway.
Got baseball fans? Take behind-the-scenes tours at Wrigley Fieldand U.S. Cellular Field and learn more about the city'srelationship with the American pastime-and deep-seated rivalry.
Sick of unpredictable weather? Pick a controlled climate toexplore, whether the tropical landscape of Garfield ParkConservatory's Palm House (one of Chicago's "under-discovered"attractions, Coyle says) or the chilly waters of Shedd Aquarium'sOceanarium.
On chilly spring days, you can even explore contrasts in theinteriors of buildings: Coyle recommends stopping into the ChicagoCultural Center or Palmer House Hotel to check out the lobbies,then popping by the Aqua Building or Trump Tower for some sleekerdécor.
Try different transport
If you're used to exploring by car or on foot, switch it up.Chicago's got a wide range of alternative transportation, whetherdistinctive-looking trolleys or eco-friendly bikes (ride to PeggyNotebaert Nature Museum to check out the new exhibit Bikes!: TheGreen Revolution).
Families can gape at the city's amazing architecture from a newvantage point on the Chicago River, while adventurers and thenon-self-conscious can test out their balance on a Segway (ageminimum is 12). There are even tours on antique fire trucks! Or ifyou want to keep it simple,
Be a tourist in Chicago
We're probably all guilty of rolling our eyes at a group oftourists fumbling with maps and blocking our way. But Chicago is aworld-class city, so why should the natives miss out on all thefun? We've got six ideas for experiencing our great city like itwas your first trip around the Loop.
Think like an out-of-towner
It turns out Chicago's Visitors Centers actually aren't just forvisitors. Dorothy Coyle, executive director of the Chicago Officeof Tourism and Culture, says employees at the Cultural Center orthe Water Works are happy to help you set up an itinerary andnavigate public transportation, not to mention provide scavengerhunts and Foursquare badges to make exploration more fun (we likethe Celery Salt badge for Chicago hot dogs, or the Brain FreezeTrek for ice cream lovers; visit explorechicago.org/games).
Or, see all those spots you disparage as "so touristy." Think asif you're hosting out-of-town guests and want to show off theplaces that make Chicago Chicago. If it's been a while, you mightnot know that Navy Pier is far from a warm-weather-onlydestination; there are activities going on all year-inside and out(and a rockin' children's museum).
Have years passed since you've ascended the Sears-ahem,Willis-Tower? Then you probably haven't had the opportunity to defyyour fear of heights on The Ledge. And Coyle says it's worthlooking into membership options so you can explore the Museum ofScience and Industry over and over. Think basic, and you might besurprised by how extraordinary it is.
Be free
Is there any word more powerful than "free"? We don't think so,which is why we're glad Chicago abounds with cultural opportunitiesthat don't lighten the wallet. The Lincoln Park Zoo, one of thecountry's finest, is always free. Bring along a picnic lunch andyou've got a cheap day of entertainment.
Chicago museums, including big names like the Field Museum andthe Adler Planetarium, regularly offer free days.
We also love places where kids under 12 are always free, such asthe Chicago History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Coyle says spring is a great time for a parade, such as March'sSt. Patrick's Day parade and May's Cinco de Mayo celebration. Andwe'd also like to point out that window-shopping on the MagnificentMile doesn't cost a penny.
Go to the extremes
Think of two opposites and then try them out. High and low? Rideto the top of one of Chicago's famous skyscrapers, then wanderunder the city using the Chicago Pedway.
Got baseball fans? Take behind-the-scenes tours at Wrigley Fieldand U.S. Cellular Field and learn more about the city'srelationship with the American pastime-and deep-seated rivalry.
Sick of unpredictable weather? Pick a controlled climate toexplore, whether the tropical landscape of Garfield ParkConservatory's Palm House (one of Chicago's "under-discovered"attractions, Coyle says) or the chilly waters of Shedd Aquarium'sOceanarium.
On chilly spring days, you can even explore contrasts in theinteriors of buildings: Coyle recommends stopping into the ChicagoCultural Center or Palmer House Hotel to check out the lobbies,then popping by the Aqua Building or Trump Tower for some sleekerdécor.
Try different transport
If you're used to exploring by car or on foot, switch it up.Chicago's got a wide range of alternative transportation, whetherdistinctive-looking trolleys or eco-friendly bikes (ride to PeggyNotebaert Nature Museum to check out the new exhibit Bikes!: TheGreen Revolution).
Families can gape at the city's amazing architecture from a newvantage point on the Chicago River, while adventurers and thenon-self-conscious can test out their balance on a Segway (ageminimum is 12). There are even tours on antique fire trucks! Or ifyou want to keep it simple, buy a CTA Day Pass ($5.75) and makeyour way around the city on ou
For those of us born without a silver spoon in our mouths,"luxury" can be as simple as a long, hot bubble bath. But if you'relooking to feel like a queen on your next getaway, plenty ofChicago hotels provide families with the chance to live in the lapof luxury, at least for a couple of nights. Here's a closer look atfour of the best.
Swissotel
323 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago (312) 565-0565 swissotelchicago.com
AMENITIES: More than 600 rooms and suites are sleek and modernwithout feeling cold. Incredible views of lake and Navy Pier. VIK(Very Important Kids) check-in makes youngsters feel special fromthe moment they enter the lobby. Plenty of restaurants and on-sitecoffee mean you never have to leave the hotel, although the EastLakeview location makes sightseeing convenient. Kids eat free atthe concourse level Geneva restaurant.
LUXURY FOR KIDS: Swissotel extends the VIK program beyondcheck-in with specially decorated kids' suites. Guests under 12 canchoose from Adler, Shedd or Field Museum inspired themes. Admissiontickets to the museum are included. From bedding and bath soaps, toage-appropriate board games, kids are pampered as well as adults.Afternoon milk and cookies sweeten the deal.
RATES: Rate for Shedd Aquarium Package begin at $184 per nightfor a family of four.
Trump Hotel
401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 644-0900 trumpchicagohotel.com
AMENITIES: From the moment the bellman whisks away the luggage,guests will know what it feels like to live in the world of thesuper-rich. Everything from linens and shampoos to the bottledwater in the minibar is top shelf. Prime location makes exploringthe Mag Mile a cinch. The hotel's gorgeous pool offers fabulousviews as well as kids' friendly pool toys. Exceptional turn-downservice made bed time a pleasure. Even room service was deliveredto a perfectly set table (including flowers). Kids under 12 eatfree from the hotel's children's menu.
LUXURY FOR KIDS: The Kids in the City Program welcomes youngvisitors with personalized business cards and a Trump backpackfilled with activities and goodies. Upon request, the hotel willplace a Wii, Xbox or PlayStation in the room along withage-appropriate games. Kids will love the personalized cookies aswell as the Trump robes made specially in kids' sizes.
RATES: Kids in the City Program begins at $445 per night,including parking and continental breakfast.]
Four Seasons
120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago (312) 280-8800 fourseasons.com/chicagofs
AMENITIES: Four Seasons does a great job of personalizing eachguest's stay, beginning by greeting adults and children by name atcheck in. Hand-chosen games await kids in their room, allowinggrown-ups time to relax and unwind. Not only is the hotel's poolone of the most beautiful spots in the city, but guests can alsoenjoy the poolside lounge stocked with drinks and fruit. Kids under12 eat free from the room service children's menu.
LUXURY FOR KIDS: Keeping with the theme of personalized service,Four Seasons' Kids in the City offers a complimentary BedtimeButler for young children. This butler will show up to read storiesand ease children into a peaceful bedtime. You can also request avisit from the ice cream man who will arrive at your door pushing acart filled with multiple flavors and toppings to sweeten yourstay. Kids' robes and a hand-operated chocolate milk blender sealthe deal.
RATES: Kids in the City package begins at $404 per night for afamily of four.
Palmer House Hilton
Luxury Hotels in Chicago
Luxurious hotels perfect for families
For those of us born without a silver spoon in our mouths,"luxury" can be as simple as a long, hot bubble bath. But if you'relooking to feel like a queen on your next getaway, plenty ofChicago hotels provide families with the chance to live in the lapof luxury, at least for a couple of nights. Here's a closer look atfour of the best.
Swissotel
323 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago (312) 565-0565 swissotelchicago.com
AMENITIES: More than 600 rooms and suites are sleek and modernwithout feeling cold. Incredible views of lake and Navy Pier. VIK(Very Important Kids) check-in makes youngsters feel special fromthe moment they enter the lobby. Plenty of restaurants and on-sitecoffee mean you never have to leave the hotel, although the EastLakeview location makes sightseeing convenient. Kids eat free atthe concourse level Geneva restaurant.
LUXURY FOR KIDS: Swissotel extends the VIK program beyondcheck-in with specially decorated kids' suites. Guests under 12 canchoose from Adler, Shedd or Field Museum inspired themes. Admissiontickets to the museum are included. From bedding and bath soaps, toage-appropriate board games, kids are pampered as well as adults.Afternoon milk and cookies sweeten the deal.
RATES: Rate for Shedd Aquarium Package begin at $184 per nightfor a family of four.
Trump Hotel
401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 644-0900 trumpchicagohotel.com
AMENITIES: From the moment the bellman whisks away the luggage,guests will know what it feels like to live in the world of thesuper-rich. Everything from linens and shampoos to the bottledwater in the minibar is top shelf. Prime location makes exploringthe Mag Mile a cinch. The hotel's gorgeous pool offers fabulousviews as well as kids' friendly pool toys. Exceptional turn-downservice made bed time a pleasure. Even room service was deliveredto a perfectly set table (including flowers). Kids under 12 eatfree from the hotel's children's menu.
LUXURY FOR KIDS: The Kids in the City Program welcomes youngvisitors with personalized business cards and a Trump backpackfilled with activities and goodies. Upon request, the hotel willplace a Wii, Xbox or PlayStation in the room along withage-appropriate games. Kids will love the personalized cookies aswell as the Trump robes made specially in kids' sizes.
RATES: Kids in the City Program begins at $445 per night,including parking and continental breakfast.
Four Seasons
120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago (312) 280-8800 fourseasons.com/chicagofs
AMENITIES: Four Seasons does a great job of personalizing eachguest's stay, beginning by greeting adults and children by name atcheck in. Hand-chosen games await kids in their room, allowinggrown-ups time to relax and unwind. Not only is the hotel's poolone of the most beautiful spots in the city, but guests can alsoenjoy the poolside lounge stocked with drinks and fruit. Kids under12 eat free from the room service children's menu.
LUXURY FOR KIDS: Keeping with the theme of personalized service,Four Seasons' Kids in the City offers a complimentary BedtimeButler for young children. This butler will show up to read storiesand ease children into a peaceful bedtime. You can also request avisit from the ice cream man who will arrive at your door pushing acart filled with multiple flavors and toppings to sweeten yourstay. Kids' robes and a hand-operated chocolate milk blender sealthe deal.
RATES: Kids in the City package begins at $404 per night for afamily of four.
Palmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 726-7500
Most families aren't planning to jet off to Europe, Africa orSouth America for a vacation anytime soon. However, there areplenty of opportunities to expose your family to different culturesright here in Chicago by simply dining out at the many local ethnicrestaurants.
Chicagoans could literallyeat their way around the world without ever leaving the citylimits.
Introducing kids to differentworld cuisines is a powerful way to teach them to value differencesand also understand that all cultures share commonalities(especially when it comes to family meals).
Before you explore a newcuisine with your children, be sure to provide some basicbackground information so they know what to expect. Take a look atthe menu in advance or ask questions of your server to ensure thatyou order kid-friendly dishes that will keep your tiny dinerssatisfied.
Here are a few highlyrespected local ethnic restaurants to begin your culinaryadventures.
Indian/Nepalese
Cumin 1414 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago cumin-chicago.com
This relatively newrestaurant serves up modern Nepalese and Indian cuisine. ManagerDipesh Kakshapaty says there are some significant differencesbetween the two types of food.
"Nepalese culture eats mostlya vegetable-based diet with very little use of spices and dairyproducts. On the other hand, Indian food relies heavily on spicesand a lot of dairy ingredients," says Kakshapaty.
Despite sharing a religionand many cultural practices, Indian food has been influenced bymany outside cultures and has evolved because of those influenceswhile Nepal largely has the same cuisine it had 300 years ago,Kakshapaty says. At Cumin, most of the dishes are moderatelyspiced.
Kid-friendly menusuggestions: Kakshapaty says the chef can always customize the spice level or accommodate food allergies.
Greek
Roditys Restaurant 222 S. Halsted Chicago roditys.com/index-5.html
Chicken malia tikka (white chicken breast marinated in mildItalian spices, cashew paste, sour cream and yogurt) is flavorfulwithout being spicy. Other good options include palungoko saag(sauteed spinach), vegetable samosas (stuffed dough), dal makhani(lentils), naan bread, mint-cucumber raita (yogurt dip) and lassi(a yogurt drink).
In Greek culture, the familydining table is the central gathering place. "It is the single mostimportant place for showing loved ones and friends how trulyimportant they are to us," Manager Joe Collado says. He recommendsparents treat the dining experience as a teaching tool.
"It is important to developdiverse taste buds in children and let them know that there is avast world beyond just the basic foods," says Collado.
He says Greek cuisine isconsidered one of the world's healthiest because it focuses onolive oil, fresh veggies and lean meats.
Kid-friendly menusuggestions: Kids love the "sights and sounds" of the flaming saganaki cheese. The cheese is set on fire tableside as the waiter exclaims "Opa!" Other family-friendly options include tzatziki (a yogurt dip),
5 World restaurants in Chicago
Take a culinary world tour without leaving Chicago
Most families aren't planning to jet off to Europe, Africa orSouth America for a vacation anytime soon. However, there areplenty of opportunities to expose your family to different culturesright here in Chicago by simply dining out at the many local ethnicrestaurants.
Chicagoans could literallyeat their way around the world without ever leaving the citylimits.
Introducing kids to differentworld cuisines is a powerful way to teach them to value differencesand also understand that all cultures share commonalities(especially when it comes to family meals).
Before you explore a newcuisine with your children, be sure to provide some basicbackground information so they know what to expect. Take a look atthe menu in advance or ask questions of your server to ensure thatyou order kid-friendly dishes that will keep your tiny dinerssatisfied.
Here are a few highlyrespected local ethnic restaurants to begin your culinaryadventures.
Indian/Nepalese
Cumin 1414 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago cumin-chicago.com
This relatively newrestaurant serves up modern Nepalese and Indian cuisine. ManagerDipesh Kakshapaty says there are some significant differencesbetween the two types of food.
"Nepalese culture eats mostlya vegetable-based diet with very little use of spices and dairyproducts. On the other hand, Indian food relies heavily on spicesand a lot of dairy ingredients," says Kakshapaty.
Despite sharing a religionand many cultural practices, Indian food has been influenced bymany outside cultures and has evolved because of those influenceswhile Nepal largely has the same cuisine it had 300 years ago,Kakshapaty says. At Cumin, most of the dishes are moderatelyspiced.
Kid-friendly menusuggestions: Kakshapaty says the chef can always customize the spice level or accommodate food allergies.
Greek
Roditys Restaurant 222 S. Halsted Chicago roditys.com/index-5.html
Chicken malia tikka (white chicken breast marinated in mildItalian spices, cashew paste, sour cream and yogurt) is flavorfulwithout being spicy. Other good options include palungoko saag(sauteed spinach), vegetable samosas (stuffed dough), dal makhani(lentils), naan bread, mint-cucumber raita (yogurt dip) and lassi(a yogurt drink).
In Greek culture, the familydining table is the central gathering place. "It is the single mostimportant place for showing loved ones and friends how trulyimportant they are to us," Manager Joe Collado says. He recommendsparents treat the dining experience as a teaching tool.
"It is important to developdiverse taste buds in children and let them know that there is avast world beyond just the basic foods," says Collado.
He says Greek cuisine isconsidered one of the world's healthiest because it focuses onolive oil, fresh veggies and lean meats.
Kid-friendly menusuggestions: Kids love the "sights and sounds" of the flaming saganaki cheese. The cheese is set on fire tableside as the waiter exclaims "Opa!" Other family-friendly options include tzatziki (a yogurt dip), chicken shish-kebab (skewers), and rice pudding fo
The Chase Bank building downtown might seem to be just anotherglass-faced skyscraper in the ranks of the Loop. But when you'relooking at it with Chicago Detours, all of that changes.
Having lived in Italy as a tour guide and worked as a researcherfor Rick Steves' travel guides, Detours founder Amanda Scotesecreated cultural tours because she realized people were missing outon great history in their own city here at home.
On our Inside the Loop: Expect the Unexpected tour, wewound through various buildings in the Loop and into theunderground Pedway. I was amazed at all the things I'd nevernoticed before.
As we walk, Scotese points out older buildings, a courtyardhidden from street level, and small spaces nestled beside gleaminggiants, drawing out observations and opinions from both adults andchildren.
Four adults in our group hold iPads and open up photos andvideos at different points in the tour.
"We build the tour by digging through archives and newspapers,old stories and photos," Scotese says. "And then we use the mediato help bridge the gap in time to connect with the past."
There are three young people in our group: my 12-year-old son, ayounger boy and a teenager. All of them listen as intently as theadults and participate in the group discussions.
My son was fascinated by the curve in a modern building'sarchitecture that gives the illusion he could run right up the walland he joined in a lively discussion about the Picasso in DaleyPlaza.
This is really the sort of experience that depends on the kid-ifyou have a history buff, they are sure to have fun. But evenrestless kids will get a good walk in during the two-hour tour andpick up some fascinating Chicago history on the way.
We ended beneath the dazzling dome of the Chicago CulturalCenter. Walking almost reverently through the gleaming space, wetook photos and watched the sun setting over Millennium Park.
My husband, son and I all agreed that this was a great way tospend a Sunday afternoon together. My son can't wait to try out hiscomplimentary map of the Pedway routes in the Loop and we'realready planning our next tour.
Chicago Detours offers both public tours and private group tours.For information on public tours, visit chicagodetours.com or call(312) 350-1131. For information on private group tours, email privatetours@chicagodetours.com.
Hidden gems in Chicago
The Chase Bank building downtown might seem to be just anotherglass-faced skyscraper in the ranks of the Loop. But when you'relooking at it with Chicago Detours, all of that changes.
Having lived in Italy as a tour guide and worked as a researcherfor Rick Steves' travel guides, Detours founder Amanda Scotesecreated cultural tours because she realized people were missing outon great history in their own city here at home.
On our Inside the Loop: Expect the Unexpected tour, we woundthrough various buildings in the Loop and into the undergroundPedway. I was amazed at all the things I'd never noticedbefore.
As we walk, Scotese points out older buildings, a courtyardhidden from street level, and small spaces nestled beside gleaminggiants, drawing out observations and opinions from both adults andchildren.
Four adults in our group hold iPads and open up photos andvideos at different points in the tour.
"We build the tour by digging through archives and newspapers,old stories and photos," Scotese says. "And then we use the mediato help bridge the gap in time to connect with the past."
There are three young people in our group: my 12-year-old son, ayounger boy and a teenager. All of them listen as intently as theadults and participate in the group discussions.
My son was fascinated by the curve in a modern building'sarchitecture that gives the illusion he could run right up the walland he joined in a lively discussion about the Picasso in DaleyPlaza.
This is really the sort of experience that depends on the kid-ifyou have a history buff, they are sure to have fun. But evenrestless kids will get a good walk in during the two-hour tour andpick up some fascinating Chicago history on the way.
We ended beneath the dazzling dome of the Chicago CulturalCenter. Walking almost reverently through the gleaming space, wetook photos and watched the sun setting over Millennium Park.
My husband, son and I all agreed that this was a great way tospend a Sunday afternoon together. My son can't wait to try out hiscomplimentary map of the Pedway routes in the Loop and we'realready planning our next tour.
Chicago Detours offers both public tours and private group tours.For information on public tours, visit chicagodetours.com or call(312) 350-1131. For information on private group tours, email privatetours@chicagodetours.com.
A trip with the kids to China sounds like a bit much,right? But what if you could do it in an afternoon? Chicago FoodPlanet offers a three-hour walking tour of Chinatown that coversthe food, history and culture of the largest Asian nation. And it'sright off the el's Red line.
The trip starts with the Chinese answer to brunch-dim sum-a mealthat traces its roots back to the traders who traveled the SilkRoad.
Kids will love the bamboo steamers of BBQ pork buns at TripleCrown, and with some urging, should also like the crispy deep-friedtaro puffs. While the food spins on the lazy Susan, they'll learnhow to serve themselves from a communal plate with chopsticks, anda silent way to signal thank you.
As the tour winds through Chinatown-it covers just over amile-there are history lessons at every turn. You'll see the goldstatues in the Buddhist Temple, visit a tea shop and stop by PingTom Memorial Park. Kids will be fascinated by the jars of driedanimals and herbs at the medicinal supplement shop.
And then it's back to the food. The Dried Chili Chicken at LaoSze Chuan embodies the region's abundant use of chili peppers -ourguide called it "fried chicken on steroids." Pair it with agenerous portion of rice to cut the heat.
At Lao Beijing the specialty is Peking duck: shredded, roastedduck is wrapped in thin pancakes-like a Chinese version of theburrito-with spring onions, cucumbers and a sweet hoison sauce.
The tour ends on a sweet note, with an egg tart at aFrench-inspired bakery. You will not end this tour hungry.
Make sure to reward kids' listening skills and food-tryingabilities with a trip to the candy store. Aji Ichiban (you'll passit on the tour) is one of the biggest chain candy stores in theworld and will be sure to have something every kid will love. Ifyou're still feeling adventuresome, try the strawberry mocchi: it'slike an Asian gummy bear.
Find big flavor in Chicagos Chinatown
A trip with the kids to China sounds like a bit much,right? But what if you could do it in an afternoon? Chicago FoodPlanet offers a three-hour walking tour of Chinatown that coversthe food, history and culture of the largest Asian nation. And it'sright off the el's Red line.
The trip starts with the Chinese answer to brunch-dim sum-a mealthat traces its roots back to the traders who traveled the SilkRoad.
Kids will love the bamboo steamers of BBQ pork buns at TripleCrown, and with some urging, should also like the crispy deep-friedtaro puffs. While the food spins on the lazy Susan, they'll learnhow to serve themselves from a communal plate with chopsticks, anda silent way to signal thank you.
As the tour winds through Chinatown-it covers just over amile-there are history lessons at every turn. You'll see the goldstatues in the Buddhist Temple, visit a tea shop and stop by PingTom Memorial Park. Kids will be fascinated by the jars of driedanimals and herbs at the medicinal supplement shop.
And then it's back to the food. The Dried Chili Chicken at LaoSze Chuan embodies the region's abundant use of chili peppers -ourguide called it "fried chicken on steroids." Pair it with agenerous portion of rice to cut the heat.
At Lao Beijing the specialty is Peking duck: shredded, roastedduck is wrapped in thin pancakes-like a Chinese version of theburrito-with spring onions, cucumbers and a sweet hoison sauce.
The tour ends on a sweet note, with an egg tart at aFrench-inspired bakery. You will not end this tour hungry.
Make sure to reward kids' listening skills and food-tryingabilities with a trip to the candy store. Aji Ichiban (you'll passit on the tour) is one of the biggest chain candy stores in theworld and will be sure to have something every kid will love. Ifyou're still feeling adventuresome, try the strawberry mocchi: it'slike an Asian gummy bear.
